From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has stressed that active private sector participation is vital to drive investment, innovation, and inclusive growth in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Senator Kyari made the remarks during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) led by Alessandro Marini, FAO Chief for the Investment Centre in West and Central Africa, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
According to Kyari, the federal government is committed to creating an enabling environment by establishing clear policies, regulatory frameworks, and a stable business climate that incentivizes private investment while mitigating risks.
He stated, “During previous meetings, we highlighted key partners and agreed that the private sector is the primary engine of growth. We also discussed that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) should focus on strengthening private sector participation.”
Kyari added that the session provided an opportunity for FAO officials to engage directly with directors of departments, technical teams, and private sector partners, gaining deeper insights into opportunities across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
He further highlighted the role of the National Agricultural Development Fund, a three-year-old institution aimed at supporting agricultural financing and innovation, saying, “We discussed several priority areas for investment and explored potential partnerships that can deliver measurable impact. As a government, we stand fully ready to support your next steps.”
The Minister noted the recent expansion of FAO’s footprint in Nigeria with the opening of an office in Lagos earlier this year. He added that on-site visits to production centers would provide even deeper insights into the scale and diversity of agricultural activities, including staple crops and livestock.
Kyari emphasized that the visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems and build a pathway toward food sovereignty.
He noted Nigeria’s immense agricultural potential, supported by a rapidly growing population, stating, “We currently have around 232 million people, and the World Bank projects that we will reach 400 million by 2050. That is only 25 years from now. The urgency is clear.”
In his remarks, Alessandro Marini, FAO Chief for the Investment Centre in West and Central Africa, pledged the organization’s commitment to working closely with the federal government to unlock agribusiness investment opportunities and support economic diversification initiatives.
